Dubai gets the world’s first Bollywood theme park

Published on : Friday, November 18, 2016

On Thursday evening, Dubai witnessed the grand opening of a theme park based on the concept of Bollywood, named ‘Bollywood Parks Dubai’ amidst music, dance, fireworks, fanfare and marvelous 4D shows that were based on superhit Hindi movies.

Performers danced to popular Bollywood numbers across the park.

Some of them gyrated to Bollywood songs, positioned on top of a mock suburban railway train. Some others welcomed visitors by dancing to Bollywood songs outside the Rajmahal theatre. This theatre continues to host live musicals even till the present-day.

One of the visitors named Ali Asgar who is a seventh grade student said that he was thrilled to come across a simulator in a particular section that portrayed the blockbuster movie ‘Lagaan’.

He was so excited at the cricket session that he exclaimed that he would certainly come back to the theme park along with his friends.

Another visitor who is a hospitality manager, named Russel D’ Souza also said that he enjoyed every moment during his stay inside this new theme park. The reason he is attracted to it is that it offers quite a realistic experience to visitors. For instance, he felt as if he had been whacked by a bat in reality! He therefore feels that the park would turn into a favorite for the younger generation since it includes a fun factor.

However, there was a mixed reaction to the new 4D theatre experience that portrayed Ra.One: Unleashed. This is based on the science fiction-based film starring Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan that was ‘Ra. One’.

One of the visitors said that though the overall experience seems really great, it is a bit of a disappointment since nowadays one gets to watch more VFX-based movies.

But then, a technical fault had caused a laser gun ride ‘Sholay – The Hunt for Gabbar’ to shut down temporarily. The ride is based on the iconic Bollywood film ‘Sholay’. Here, the visitors would be able to shoot armed bandits who were led by the dacoit Gabbar Singh.

Apart from these, a virtual reality ride named ‘Krrish: Hero’s Flight’ would also be opened to visitors.

The ride features Indian actor Hrithik Roshan as a superhero fighting against aliens who attack the city of Mumbai. This ride, however, is scheduled to open later.

Thomas Jellum who is the general manager of Bollywood Parks promised visitors that within the next few weeks, all the rides would be available to the visitors. He also said that visitors who arrive at this park while the rides are non functional would get a free return visit.

The park is spread across an area measuring 1,57,935 square metres and is a portion of the Dh 10.5 billion Dubai Parks and Resorts complex.

This theme park would possess at least 16 cinematic rides, a choice of about 30 live shows and six themed restaurants that are inspired by contemporary and also classic movies including ‘Dabangg’ action movies. It would also have a ride dedicated to the renowned historical drama ‘Mughal-E-Azam’.